Hillsborough verdict - FSF statement

After years of evidence and weeks of deliberation the jury at the Hillsborough Inquest has finally returned its verdict.

This morning, the inquest found that the 96 Liverpool fans who died were unlawfully killed.

The jury also said that supporter behaviour did not contribute to the disaster, but there was lack of communication, coordination and command and control by police.

Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters' Federation, said: "In the aftermath of the Hillsborough Disaster many powerful people refused to listen to the voices of supporters who were in attendance on one of football's darkest days.

"Thanks to that wilful blindness those who were accountable managed to evade justice - despite thousands of lives being irrevocably damaged by the disaster.

"For 27 years the friends and families of those who lost their lives at Hillsborough have fought for the truth. For lost loved ones. For fans who suffered terrible physical and mental trauma.

"This verdict would not have happened without their unwavering commitment to justice for the 96. It took an unimaginable amount of dedication and persistence to get to this position - the full exoneration of fans and a recognition that the victims had been unlawfully killed.

"We now call upon the authorities to initiate the criminal and disciplinary proceedings necessary to ensure full accountability."